Boeing is helping Aeroflot Cargo improve its operational efficiency and adapt to growing market demands by providing three leased MD-11 Boeing Converted Freighters (BCFs). The companies joined in celebrating the freighters' recent entry into service at a ceremony marking Aeroflot Cargo's new fleet and the resulting operational improvements at the carrier's facility at Frankfurt-Hahn airport.

Boeing Capital Corporation, the company's aircraft financing arm, structured the deal and Boeing conducted the modification work at subcontractor facilities in Europe. Aeroflot Cargo, which operates four DC-10 freighters, is leasing the three MD-11BCFs on a multi-year basis.

"We are confident that the MD-11F, as a proven, reliable and highly demanded freighter, will deliver long-term efficiency for our network," said Aeroflot Cargo General Director and CEO Oleg Korolev. "Boeing's world-class customer service offers support from the first contact and delivery through the refresh of airplanes to keep our planes earning revenue."

A converted MD-11 carries 205,400-pound (93.2 tonne) structural payload at a range of 3,486 nautical miles (6,456 kilometers) at 630,500 pounds (286,000 kg) maximum takeoff weight. The main and lower deck cargo compartments hold a total of 36 96- by 125-in. pallets or containers.

"This solution allows us to optimize our choices for airplanes that we needed to redeploy, maximizing the airplane's value since freighter conversion is a great residual play for the MD-11s," said Tony Simpson, Boeing Capital managing director for Europe, Russia and Central Asia. "Putting valuable BCF assets into the hands of an experienced and reputable operator represents a good outcome for our portfolio."

"This is a great example of Boeing's integrated Lifecycle Solutions, putting forth a seamless process for Aeroflot Cargo, where Boeing handled aircraft acquisition, passenger-to-freighter modification and leasing of the final product," said Dan Da Silva, vice president for Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Aviation Services.

Aeroflot Cargo also has committed to acquire three additional MD-11 airplanes to undergo freighter conversion with Boeing's help. The first aircraft will begin modification later this year with redeliveries in 2009.

Boeing Commercial Aviation Services will provide detailed engineering design work and oversight of the Aeroflot Cargo conversions, with SASCO, a subsidiary of ST Aerospace, providing touch labor on the airplanes.

Overall, Boeing has converted more than 100 MD-11 passenger airplanes to freighters.